A pilot study about microplastics and mesoplastics in an Antarctic glacier

Abstract. Plastics have been found in several compartments Antarctica. However, there is currently no evidence of their presence on Antarctic glaciers. Our pilot study investigated plastic occurrence two ice surfaces (one area around Uruguay Lake and another one Ionosferico Lake) that constitute part the ablation zone Collins Glacier (King George Island, Antarctica). results showed expanded polystyrene (EPS) was ubiquitous, ranging from 0.17 to 0.33 items m?2, whereas polyester only surface (0.25 m?2). Furthermore, we evaluated daily changes plastics these areas absence rainfall clarify role wind transport. We registered an atmospheric dry deposition rate between 0.08 m?2 d?1 Lake. first report pollution glacier, possibly originated local current past activities likely deposited by